Mark Berman's Blog

The Houston Rockets exercised the team option on forward Steve Novak's contract  meaning they retain the third year forward from Marquette.

League sources told FOX 26 Sports Novak will make $787,581 during the 2008-2009 season.

"We picked up Steve's option," said Daryl Morey, the Rockets General Manager. We think Steve is a valuable asset."

In two years with the Rockets Novak played in 70 games, starting one. He averaged 2.7 points a game.

His three pointer as the clock ran out Feb. 13 beat Sacramento at Toyota Center keeping the Rockets winning streak, which reached 22, intact.